To My Children's Biological Mothers: My Heart Hurts for You

This Biblical Thinking UPGRADE by Julie Watson is a bit of a departure from our typical UPGRADE posts, but her message is one we all need to consider, and her "letter" to her children's biological mothers is a good read in itself.

Julie writes, “A child born from the heart is just as precious, just as significant, as one born from the womb.”

I (Dawn) remember when I wanted my husband to bring home an orphan from Russia for me to love and take care of. That didn't work out for me, but I've always had "a heart" for children who need a home. And the plight of the unborn in this country—don't get me started!

Julie continues . . .

This topic is heavy-hitting and hard to write about, but it’s my heart’s desire to honor God above all else.

He has impressed upon me that this is the time to share: 

We are in a season of substantial harvest.

For far too long a great divide has split this nation on matters of life and death—for the unborn.

Even among Christians, there seems to be a debate as to what’s “allowable” or “tolerated” in dealing with an unplanned or crisis pregnancy.

I worked for years in different pregnancy resource centers and saw hundreds of women come through our doors in the midst of a crisis pregnancy. It was never pretty.

Every individual had a story.

• Some were downright heartbreaking.
• Some were getting a second perspective from a doctor who was advocating for an abortion due to special circumstances.
• Most, unfortunately, were looking for a way to “get rid of the problem.”
• A good number of women came into our clinic thinking it was the Planned Parenthood just down the street from us.

Yet, those who came in for a free pregnancy test and ultrasound were undoubtedly changed, regardless of their decision to either continue or terminate their pregnancy.

Why?

Because they could not deny the life growing inside them once they saw and heard it with their own eyes and ears. And, once they opened their heart to truth, they usually chose life for their child!

We need to do more than just open our eyes—we need to see with our hearts.

If you’ve asked the Lord into your heart, then the Holy Spirit resides there. And, if He is there, guiding your heart, then you cannot deny what He reveals.

Nearly every woman who had an ultrasound cried when she saw her preborn child bopping around in her warm, protective womb.

My heart hurt for her.

To think that your “only choice” is to end your child’s life—heart-wrenching indeed!

Yet, when I hear Christians defending abortion, I get physically ill.

This is NOT God’s heart.

The sanctity of human life is, at the very core, His most important and significant creation. He created every single life with a divine purpose.

Jeremiah 1:5 tells us He knew us even before He formed us in the womb.

That means that we communed with God before He breathed life in us and placed us into our mother’s womb!

Jeremiah 29:11 tells us He has plans for us, to prosper us, not to harm us; to give us a hope and a future!

This gives me chills every time I think of it.

Why? Because when I see Jesus again, it won’t be for the first time—it will actually be a reunion of my spirit and soul with my Heavenly Father’s.

I also come to this issue with an adoptive mother’s heart.

I never had the joy or pleasure of being able to conceive and birth my own children. My children came from two different biological mothers who we pray for regularly.

The circumstances that landed my kids in foster care at very young ages were not pretty by any means. I have seen them at their worst and at their best. I’m thankful those really worse days are mostly behind us now.

However, when I hear the abortion debate lead down the road toward abused kids in foster care, I’ve had enough!

Have you heard that excuse yet? The one that says abused children would have been better off aborted (dead) than allowed to live through their horrible and traumatic circumstances.

Seriously?

With that logic, why should ANYONE ever be born? We all go through horrible things in life—but God created us to OVERCOME!

To my children’s biological mothers, I write:

"My heart hurts for you. I never had the joy or privilege to conceive and birth my own children—cancer took that ability from me—but I also can’t imagine losing them! I could not be more grateful for a chance at motherhood through God’s divine plan of adoption.

"I know you were very young, not emotionally stable or mature enough to be a mother. You had addictions that took your eyes off your number one priority—your children—and kept you imprisoned by your sickness.

"You did hurt them, make no mistake, but they forgive you and so do I.

The reason the kids love you is that you CHOSE to let them live. Even in the midst of your difficult circumstances, you did not abort them, and they are extremely thankful! You gave them a CHANCE to fulfill all that God designed for their lives—and they are going places. Each of them has amazing resilience and determination, something they might not have had if they hadn’t gone through what they did.

"You LOVED them enough to let them go, even if it wasn’t your desire. You didn’t fight the courts, and that’s honorable knowing there was a chance they could be adopted by a good family providing them opportunities you couldn’t provide. Sacrificing your desires for the sake of another’s needs is the most loving thing you can do.

"Lastly, we are praying for you. My kids do not want their birth mothers to perish; they want you to know the saving grace and forgiveness of Jesus Christ. They all love Him and pray you do too!

"In Christ,

"Your kids’ mom"

So, where does your heart lie when you reflect on life of the preborn? Does it align with the Father’s?

If not, really pray and ask God why. There is likely a deep-seated reason, and you may need counseling to bring it forth and deal with it.

Healing begins by acknowledging the pain or fear that imprisons us.

Lastly, ADVOCATE for the preborn in one or more ways the Holy Spirit leads you:

1. Vote for pro-life candidates.

We need to change the laws of our nation.

Did you know that Norma McCorvey (also known as “Jane Roe” of Roe v. Wade), later became a Christian and pro-life advocate, trying to overturn the landmark law her case created? 

2. Donate your time, talents and/or treasures.

Pro-life efforts are the most powerful at the grassroots. That means your local pregnancy resource center needs your support!

3. Get involved in your church and community.

Become a pro-life point of contact assisting those in your neighborhood to get the help and resources they need if they are dealing with an unintended pregnancy.

The unborn voiceless need a protective voice, and ours is the only one they’re going to get in this world today.

If not us, than who? If not now, when?

Will you join me in defending these precious lives the Lord masterfully created?

Julie P. Watson is a Certified Health Coach and Author. Her cancer testimony, and how God healed her, can be found in Made to Overcome: Chronic Illness Edition. Julie is currently working on two more book projects: a 52-week devotional for foster and adoptive parents called, Simply Devoted, and, her own personal journey through the foster care system and subsequent adoption of three beautiful children. Julie worked in pregnancy resource centers and children’s ministries for 10 years as a Development Director, Executive Director and Grant Writer before becoming a stay-at-home mom to her kids. She and her husband, Shawn, live in San Diego with their precious family and several pampered pets.

Arise from Your Past Season and Shine

Joanie Shawhan speaks truth into lives to help people see real change. In this Spiritual Growth UPGRADE, she invites us to move past our past and into a shining future.

"It was time," Joanie says, "to organize, pitch, and clean!"

When I (Dawn) first read that, I thought this would be an Organization UPGRADE. But Joanie had something far more important in mind.

Joanie continues . . .

The disarray of my physical environment was interfering with my productivity.

I’d start a writing project, but I couldn’t maintain my focus. So, I stuffed garbage bags with stacks of mail and magazines, deleted thousands of emails, shredded paper, and rearranged closets.

But decluttering my physical surroundings fell short of resolving my lack of productivity.

Maybe I needed to declutter another area.

My inner life.

Sometimes we need to arise from the dust of memories that trap and imprison us in the past.

We dwell on a history we cannot change. But Isaiah 52:2 tells us to arise and shake off the dust and remove the chains of slavery from our necks.

My word for this year is arise.

In order to walk in freedom, we need to arise and sweep away the ashes of lost dreams, disappointments, and hurts that have enslaved us and prevented us from walking in God’s best.

It’s Time to Arise FROM:

1. Regrets

We all have regrets, but occasionally we get trapped in a cycle of regret—the what-ifs.

But at the end of the cycle, our history remains unchanged. We can forgive and commit those painful events to God and receive his healing and forgiveness.

2. Failures

All of us experience failure. But if we focus on what we can learn from those experiences, we can move on.

3. Offenses

Holding onto offenses turns our focus from God, imprisoning us in a cell of unforgiveness.

Forgiveness sets us free and places the offender in God’s hands.

4. Bitterness

Bitterness can be sneaky, raising its ugly head through snarky comments, jealousy, and gossip.

We can dig out the roots of bitterness through repentance and make space for what God wants to grow. 

5. Wrong mindsets or attitudes

We can transform our minds by replacing the lies we believe about ourselves, others, and God with the truth of God’s word.

Even the apostle Paul knew the importance of letting go. He said,

One thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead. (Philippians 3:13 NKJV)

When we leave behind the trappings of the past, we are free to arise and walk in the present purpose and calling of God.

It’s Time to Arise TO:

1. A new level of intimacy with Jesus

We become more sensitive to the Lord’s voice in worship, scripture meditation, and prayer.

Arise, my love, my beautiful one, and come away (Song of Solomon 2:13 ESV).

2. Believe

Believe the truth of God’s Word.  

Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free (John 8:32 NIV).

3. Thanksgiving

Gratitude arises when we are unshackled from the chains that bind us. 

He… broke away their chains. Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love
(Psalm 107:14-15 NIV).

4. Speak

Whether we speak, write, or share our testimonies, we are called to offer hope to those he has placed within our sphere of influence.

Therefore prepare yourself and arise, and speak to them all that I command you (Jeremiah 1:17 NKJV). 

5. New opportunities

When we let go of the past, we are free to move into the plans and purposes of God, fully confident of His goodness and his direction.  

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV).

We experience a greater presence of the Lord in our lives when we release past hurts, mistakes, and disappointments to God. Instead of focusing on our pain, we are free to walk in the plans and purposes of God.

Arise, shine, for your light has come,

and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.

(Isaiah 60:1 NIV)

Where is God speaking "ARISE" to you?

Joanie Shawhan is an ovarian cancer survivor, registered nurse, speaker, and author of In Her Shoes: Dancing in the Shadow of Cancer. Her blogs and radio and television interviews can be found on her website: www.joanieshawhan.com.

Graphic adapted, courtesy of Tyler Nix at Unsplash.

Upgrade Your Self-Care

Morgan Farr is a wife and mom who's always on the go. In this Self-Care UPGRADE, she asks us to consider what self-care looks like, especially from a biblical perspective.

“Self-care is all the rage right now,” Morgan says. “When you type ‘self-care” into Google, there are over 3,980,000,000 results! People are desperate for an understanding of what it is, how to do it and when we need it.”  

I (Dawn) feel I need some self-care right now. With everyone sheltering in place with the coronavirus, it's too easy to lounge around in pajamas. But I know I need to stay intentional about so many things—including wise self-care.

Morgan continues . . . 

Self-care is defined as “an activity that we do deliberately in order to take care of our mental, emotional, and physical health. Although it’s a simple concept in theory, it’s something we very often overlook. Good self-care is key to improved mood and reduced anxiety.” 

When I went to Pinterest to get ideas on what self-care looks like practically, I was bombarded with everything from “paint your nails” to “take the vacation.”

I am going to share my Top Five Tips on how to Upgrade Your Self-Care.

1. Stick to a Schedule.

The primary challenge that a lot of people struggle with is when to have “me time”—or self-care time—simply because they don’t know how to fit it all in.

If you are following a schedule, you can see where the gaps are to allow you time for self-care.

It may be difficult in the beginning, and you will need to start small. Scheduling in 15 minutes somewhere in your day just takes creativity.

The more that you do it, the easier it will be. 

2. Create a Code.

The second challenge that I saw was knowing what to DO for “self-care.” This will look different for different people, depending on their interests.

What I did was create a list of 10 activities that make me feel refreshed. When I am ready for self-care, I pick one of the items off the list. 

Here is what my list looks like:

• Reading one chapter in a book,
• Sketching,
• Reading my Bible,
• Going for a walk,
• Relaxing in a bubble bath,
• Crocheting,
• Sewing,
• Scrapbooking,
• Listening to a CD, or
• Listening to an audiobook.  

3. Recognize the Reality.

This is the part where people say, “I have small children; I can’t do everything on this self-care checklist from Pinterest!”

And I would say, you are right!

Be realistic about your season of life, finances and ability level when you start to practice self-care.

I saw a list of self-care items that recommended going rock climbing outdoors. Sure, it sounds fun. But if you have never done it before and you don’t have the gear, that probably isn’t the best place to start for self-care. Instead start small.

Love to read?

Hit the library to save money on books.

Love to craft?

Check out the clearance section of your local craft store. Check out YouTube for free tutorials and inspiration.

Also, recognize that if you are in the season of little children, it may be all that you can do to sit alone in a room and read one chapter in a book.

And that is 100% OK. (I’ve been there, it does get better!)  

4. Filter Out the Funk.

I am going to say something super unpopular here.

We consume a LOT of funky stuff and call it “self-care.”

I don’t care who you are, sitting down to binge watch “Game of Thrones” or the newest true crime documentary is NOT self-care. 

Now, before you freak out, let me phrase it this way: would you say smoking is self-care? 

No way! It is bad for you. It causes cancer.

Watching violent and sex-saturated television is the exact same thing. Philippians 4:8 says,

“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.” 

If you are filling your mind with funky stuff that does not meet the Philippians 4:8 criteria, it is going to rot your heart and mind.

Stop and think about what you are ingesting with your television shows and movies.

Would you be comfortable watching it on the big screen in front of your entire church?

If not, you probably shouldn’t be watching it at all.

5. Praise the Prince of Peace.

Philippians 4:6-7 says,

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” 

If you are trying to find freedom from anxiety and you are looking for peace, no amount of painting your nails or going for a walk can compare to knowing Jesus, the Prince of Peace. 

As human beings, we spend a lot of time trying to make ourselves feel better. As believers, we cannot expect worldly things to be able to give us the peace that surpass all understanding.

That kind of peace can only come from Jesus Christ.

Which step can you take today to upgrade your me-time? 

Morgan Farr is a Texas-loving, succulent-cultivating, book nerd. Stationed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, this Army wife is working to better love her husband, develop her three small children, and learn more about homeschool. Morgan is a homemaker dedicating her time to ministering to other Army wives through Bible studies, one-on-one mentoring, and physical training. She writes about her transition out of feminism and into biblical womanhood at The Forgiven Former Feminist.

Graphic adapted, courtesy of StockSnap at Pixabay.

We Make Our Plans, but ...

In this Trials UPGRADE, Dawn writes about the coronavirus and how Christians might want to respond with biblical thinking.

A week ago, my husband's ministry trip to Ecuador was canceled. My brother-in-law's ministry trip was canceled (as well as his and his wife's vacation).

So many ministry friends are rescheduling and hoping new dates will work after the rampant COVID-19, caused by the coronavirus named SARS-CoV-2, turned into a pandemic.

Life with our new normal—at least for months to come—means holding on to our plans with a loose hand.

I'm reminded of the wise words in Proverbs 16:9 (NLT)—"We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps." I've always taken that as the Lord desires to create a plan for us to move forward.

God is sovereign and He "determines" our steps. But we still need to listen to His voice and obey when He speaks.

Back in January, knowing I would likely be recovered from a recent stem cell transplant by now, I made a lot of plans for March and April. The Lord had other plans for me.

We make our plans, but when they change, we need to be sensitive to what the Lord might be saying to us about how to deal with those changes!

In this current pandemic, the COVID-19 disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, the Lord is speaking to me about eight "be" concepts in the book of Ephesians—there are likely more—that can help me each day during the required shelter-in-place mandate.

Perhaps they will help you focus too.

"Be" ... in Ephesians

1. Be Still

Althought the word "be" isn't in Ephesians 1:17-21, it is a prayer Paul prayed for Christ-followers to help them become better acquainted with God (v. 17b).

In essence, Paul encouraged believers to do what the psalmist said in Psalm 46:10:

Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.

Paul said he wanted believers to have wisdom from God, with the "eyes" of their hearts enlightened. And why? So they might "know the hope" to which He has called us. We have hope IN the Lord, and we can receive hope FROM the Lord.

Our hope is based in God's "power for us."

The risen Christ reigns, and it is His power that energizes us to face our struggles today—even a pandemic.

We need to be still and contemplate who God is, and the power we have in the mighty "exalted" One!

2. Be Wise

Ephesians 5:15-16 says we should "be very careful" how we live. We need to live with God's wise truths in mind. Why? "Because the days are evil."

We need to make wise choices in these days, and make the most of every opportunity we have to live for the Lord and proclaim who He is.

Verses 18-20 compare foolish living with wise living. Rather than indulging in things that will dull our senses, we need to be fully engaged by making the wise choice to "be filled" with the Spirit—another powerful "be" concept.

When we filled with the Spirit and making wise choices, we will speak and sing things that glorify our Father God, and we will be grateful.

3. Be Patient

Ephesians 4:2 reminds us to "be completely humble and gentle; be patient...."

Although I focused here on patience, don't miss the link to humility and gentleness!

• It takes humility to be patient in long lines at stores or airports.
• It takes humility and a patient, gentle spirit to be bear up with kids who are getting on our "last nerve" during pandemic.
• It takes patience when members of our family are going stir crazy—not knowing how to deal with sudden boredom, or reacting with anger born out of frustration.
• It takes patience when quarantined.

I'm sure you can think of other examples where patient humility and gentleness must be the rule of the day.

4. Be Compassionate

It's important to remember we are not alone in this coronavirus struggle.

This is not a time for "it's all about me."

Spiritual maturity will help us live out Ephesians 4:32a: "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other...."

In times of crisis, we may feel like we're one minute away from a meltdown.

It's easy to become self-focused. It's easy to over-react when we feel slighted or hurt by others.

This is the time to forgive with Christ-like forgiveness—("...just as in Christ God forgave you" (4:32b).

This is the time to be kind and compassionate. This is the time to give people the benefit of the doubt and be understanding—and when necessary, to show mercy!

Others are going through tough times too, and they may not know how to cope.

5. Be Loving

We are to follow God's example as His beloved children (Ephesians 5:1). We need to be "rooted and established in (His) love"—the love of Christ (Ephesians 3:16-19).

Loving like Christ is not an option for the believer. It's part of our godly stewardship.

Joe Carter, editor of TGC Weekly (The Gospel Coalition) wrote, "While Christians rightly poiint out that God is sovereign over all things—including the economy—we whould also recognize that we have a role to play as stewards of God's creation. ... Ultimately, stewardship is all about love."

Years ago, it seemed everyone was asking, "What Would Jesus Do?" In the stewardship of love, we seek to see people and their needs through the eyes of the Lord.

And as much as possible, and as the Lord leads, we move in love to meet needs.

It may mean something like:

• buying a package of baby wipes for a mom with little ones,
• taking a meal to a shut-in (and lingering for a conversation if he or she seems lonely), or
• filling a tank with gasoline for a doctor or nurse who still reports for duty to help those with COVID-19.

What would Jesus Do?

6. Be Light

In times of crisis, this is often the opportune time to "be light" in the darkness.

In Ephesians 5:8-10, Paul reminded the Ephesian believers they were once in spiritual darkness, "but now," he said, "you are light in the Lord."

We need to recognize we are all lost and in spiritual darkness without the Lord and His mercy. We need to remember the grace of the Lord Jesus to us from the cross.

When we remember well, we will likely want to "live as children of light." We will to make a difference in people's lives around us, and we'll want our attitudes and actions to please Him. We'll want to "shine as lights in the world" and allow our good works to glorify the Father (Philippians 2:15; Matthew 5:16).

Paul made a special request of the Ephesian believers. He wanted them to pray he would be fearless in sharing the Gospel (6:19-20).

And that should be the prayer we pray for ourselves and our brothers and sisters in Christ as we shine together for the Lord.

7. Be Strong

In these stressful times, it is important that we "be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power" (Ephesians 6:10-12). Our own strength may wane as we struggle with all the changes we need to make in fighting this pandemic.

We're supposed to wear the "armor of God" every day, but it's important to be SURE we're wearing it now (Ephesians 6:13-17) so we can "be strong and courageous" (Deuteronomy 31:6).

And when the battle gets especially tough, we need to remember to run to our refuge in God—He is our "strong tower" of safely (Psalm 46:1-3; Proverbs 18:10). 

8. Be Alert

Ephesians 6:18 says, "be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people."

Although we need to be loving and compassionate to all people, this is a special admonition to be alert to the needs of our brothers and sisters in Christ.

We may not have the needed resource to help them in practical ways, but we always have the resource of prayer to petition God for their needs.

As we live as children of light, we also need to be alert to our adversary's strategies to attack God's flock (1 Peter 5:8).

Believers can have tough physical needs during times of trial—but sometimes the attacks of Satan in their minds and hearts are just as tough and destructive.

Be alert to ways you can encourage individual members of the family of God who are struggling with Satan's lies.

Be aware of fresh action steps that can lead to your growth, others' good, and God's glory.

Which of these "Be" concepts are you practicing now? Is there another "Be" you might consider?

Dawn Wilson, founder and President of Heart Choices Today, is a speaker and author, and the creator the blog, Upgrade with Dawn. She is a contracted researcher/reviewer for women's teacher and revivalist, Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth, at Revive Our Hearts, a blogger at TrueWoman.com, writes wiki-type posts at  Christianity.com, and is a regular columnist at Crosswalk.com. She and her husband Bob live in sunny Southern California, and Dawn has traveled with Him in Pacesetter Global Outreach. They have two grown, married sons, three granddaughters and a rascally maltipoo, Roscoe.

Graphic adapted, initial graphic courtesty of congerdesign at Pixabay.

5 Ways to Create an Inspiring Workspace

Marcia Ramsland is one of the most organized women I know, and she's professional and so nice when she teaches others how to be organized too! In this Organization UPGRADE, she tackles an area some women think is just too hard to deal with, especially when paperwork takes over—the Workspace.

“An inspiring workspace will help you focus and be ready to work when you sit down at your computer,” Marcia says. “Make it tasteful, streamlined and inspiring!”

I (Dawn) think this is an excellent time to think about re-ordering our homes. With all the cautions about the Coronavirus pandemic, many people have more time to organize their home offices, and to think about how they might change their personal workspace.

Marcia continues . . .   

In organizing hundreds of offices and workspaces, I’ve discovered these 5 elements that can make for an inspiring environment. When any of these is out of balance, making it “just right” can change a person’s entire outlook.

And they take so little time.

When any of these five elements is out of balance, you can make it “right” and improve your entire outlook. And they take so little time.

Which one can you do right now?

1. Pick Your Focal Point and Set the Tone.

The main focal point of your workspace is what you first see when you walk into your workspace, usually the space above your desk or computer. It should be currently inspiring and calming.

Visual space sets the tone to increase your mental energy when you work.

This should have a picture that sets the tone in style and color for your whole office, whether it’s a canvas print from a store, a landscape that means something to you, or simply a framed poster.

Hang something pleasant to look at!

2. Lighting is Key to Where You Work.

Ideally, the lighting should be directly over your clear workspace in the center of your desk.

So often I see people working in a limited 15-inch space because that’s where their lighting is. If you’re crouched over your keyboard trying to do paperwork, readjust the lighting to have desk space to work on.

If you want a warmer touch or meet with people in your office, add a lamp with a shade to soften what could otherwise be a sterile workspace.

Pick a lamp base with wood, metal, or a color that you like. Make your choices by asking, “What is my style that reflects who I am now?” Let that show up in your workspace.

3. Clear your Desk and Organize Your Paperwork.

Clear your desktop of paper piles and office clutter!This one action makes a huge step forward in creating an inspiring workspace.

Paper piles are clutter and distracting to your concentration.

Clean up your desktop daily by writing a Master To Do list of items clears your mind, too. It allows you to file projects until you are ready to work on them.

I’ve organized hundreds of desk and workspace areas and this one step makes a HUGE difference. For inspiration look at these six “Before & After” desk spaces I’ve coached clients through.

4. Motivate Yourself with Uplifting Inspiration.

Inspiration can be anything from a poster to family or friends’ photos with you in the picture. Frame these photos with a similar style of your workspace.

Be sure to have a photo of your family that is no more than six months old so you don’t have to apologize for how outdated the photo is. It’s a conversation piece as well as a motivator for you.

5. Personal Items Should Be Tasteful.

What is tasteful? It’s what your boss, spouse or mother would approve of!

What you put in your workspace becomes public and others often will make a judgment about you based on what they see.

It’s completely acceptable to include elements that reflect your passions, a framed photo of a favorite vacation, or a saying that always inspires you.

If you find yourself sighing and dreading sitting down in your workspace, some simple changes to “own” your space will change your outlook—especially if they include things that have meaning and touch you in an emotionally positive way.

Maintaining an organized workspace reminds me of Jesus’ words: "Whoever can be trusted with little can also be trusted with much…” (Luke 16:10).

Manage your space to write, create and communicate responsibly.

The Lord Himself cares how you manage this one “little” aspect of your life. Do it for Him and for yourself, if even no one else sees it.

My Helpful Tip: Be selective about what goes in your workspace. Become visually aware of workspace clutter. File and recycle paper piles until they’re gone. Clean it up and clear clutter out so you stay focused and inspired.

What could you organize and improve right now to create an inspiring workspace you love to work in?

Marcia Ramsland is well known as the “Organizing Pro” and best-selling author of the Simplify Your Life: Get Organized and Stay that Way book series, which has sold over 100,000 copies. Marcia teaches her online Organizing Courses and Coaches individuals to be highly productive personally and professionally. She believes anyone can become more organized and live with ease—even YOU! For “Before & After” desk organizing photos, visit organizingpro.com.

Graphic adapted, courtesy of DarkWorkX at Pixabay.