Tag: family

  • How Overwhelmed Moms Can Get Organized (Without Doing More)

    How Overwhelmed Moms Can Get Organized (Without Doing More)

    Introduction


    How overwhelmed Moms Can Get Organized without doing more… if you are like me; there is most likely a pile of dirty laundry somewhere, a few dirty dishes in the sink, some strange unrelated toys on the floor, and at least one bed in the house that is completely unmade. Can you relate or is it just me? Don’t get me started on the backpacks, shoes, and jackets!

    Overwhelmed mom, I see you, I am you too. Wouldn’t it be great if AI could come clean our homes like everything else? Ha!

    Most moms including me, aren’t disorganized as much as we are completely overloaded. If you are like me, I get an area “decluttered,” only to find it in disarray a few weeks later. I wonder if there are gremlins who mess my organized areas up at night (ha! I am aware it was my little children often making a mess as they try to find their prized possessions, sigh).

    When kids are young, the messes are normally toys, half eaten food, and dirty bibs. As they get older, it’s more sports equipment and uniforms strewn about. And even as kids age, it has been legos, craft supplies, and water bottles that litter my organized way of life. Anyone else? Anyone?

    This article is about reminding ourselves (me included) that organization is not about perfection, but on reducing the mental load. When everything has a place, I feel lighter. Knowing where things go, and the confidence that it is being kept there, doesn’t just help me when I need to find things, it gives me so much more peace and joy.

     

    “If your house feels messy and your brain feels full, this isn’t a motivation problem — it’s a systems problem.”


    Overwhelmed Moms, Getting Organized:

    Step #1: Start With ONE “Landing Zone”

    (This is the highest-impact action)

    Overwhelmed moms, getting organized starts with landing zones. Whether it’s the junk drawer for all the mysterious finds in the kitchen, hooks for hanging in the garage (on the way inside), or a nice basket with a lid by the front door, these are all known as the wonderful “landing zone.” I also love a good sized ottoman with storage to land the family room clutter.

    What I love about landing zones, is that when the cleaning fairy bites, motivating organization, we can put what is in the landing zones away. This limits overwhelm immensely. It also makes cleaning up fast!

    My favorite purchase when all of my children (The Fantastic Four) were under ten years old was the stair basket. Even with a crying baby in hand, I could put the items that needed to go upstairs in the “stair basket,” hidden away. Before I went to bed at night, I put what was inside the basket in its proper place (most nights to be honest – ha!).

     

    Why it works:

    • Reduces visual clutter
    • Reduces decision fatigue
    • Prevents piles from spreading

     

    “Don’t organize the whole house. Just give clutter a home.”


    Overwhelmed Moms get organized — Organize Your Time Before Your Stuff

    Step #2: Organized Moms organize their time before their Stuff

    (This is where you sound different from Pinterest moms)…

    When chaos is rushing by, clutter follow. So I tried to keep clutter at bay by cleaning up twice a day.

    After making breakfast, I would clean the kitchen. Then, after I fed the kids lunch, I’d put them down for nap and tidy up the house. Finally, at night after dinner, before baths, we would clean up again. It was not rare to need to vacuum at this point too. The kids would make crumb piles like nobody’s business. (Face palm).

    Simple actions:

    • Pick 2 daily anchors: these are two time a day that you straighten your home, keeping chaos at bay.
    • If you have neuro diverse kids like me, keeping their toys separated in clear containers with labels helped so much. This method assisted them in seeing what was inside. It kept their overwhelm at bay, when they wanted to explore.

    Examples:

    • 5-minute mid-day tidy
    • 10-minute evening reset

     

    “Your home doesn’t need hours of cleaning. It needs rhythms.”


    Overwhelmed Moms Get Organized – Create a “Not Today” List

    Step #3 Create a “Not Today,” List

    (Mental organization = physical relief)

    Moms often carry way too many invisible tasks. Does this sound familiar? “Timmy needs a haircut. The dog needs his flea treatment. Did I miss the deadline for gymnastics next month? Did I pay the classroom fees yet? When does Nora need her medicine next? Do we have enough mayo for BLT’s tonight?”

    See all these thoughts fly through our heads like a hurricane constantly. No wonder we fight overwhelm!

    I find keeping questions like these off my mind & in my phone or planner so liberating! It helps not carry the weight around.

    Next, I have times of the day that I deal with these things. Normally, before the kids wake up, I start making appointment calls. Then, I order groceries.

    Some might be giving me a look of judgment. Ordering groceries does cost extra. But, when I take my kids to the grocery store, it takes a couple hours of valuable time and we spend way more money. For me, it is such a HUGE when to oder the groceries; both financially and with time management.

    How to do it:

    • Write down everything stressing you
    • Move non-urgent items to a “later” list

    Why this helps:

    • Clears mental clutter
    • Reduces anxiety
    • Creates focus

     

    “Just because it matters doesn’t mean it has to be done today.”


    Overwhelmed Moms Get Organized — Simplify Daily Decisions

    Step #4: Simplify Daily Decisions

    (This lowers overwhelm fast)

    When overwhelm is plaguing us, decision fatigue is all too real. Sometimes, not choosing is best! What I mean by this is give ourselves grace. Every now and then, a jammy day is ok. A night with no bath isn’t going to shatter anyone.

    Sometimes, it is ok to have an extra half hour of screen time to keep peace and sanity. Often, choosing the path of least resistance simplifies decision making.

    Has anyone else noticed when there are too many choices, tiredness tends to be around the corner. Limiting choices can bring relief, not to mention another layer of organization.

    Examples:

    • repeat meals
    • simple outfits
    • set routines for errands, laundry, groceries

    Real life story: My youngest melted down every single morning when it was time to get dressed. She would cry. Laying on the floor, she refused to get her clothes on.

    We were always late to preschool. I was so embarrassed! She looked disheveled. During preschool, her dad and I unfortunately split up. Our pediatrician referred my youngest for counseling.

    Once in counseling, they told me to limit her clothes to four outfits. I cried. Dressing my kids was one of my favorite tasks. So I went through, putting most of clothes away in trash bags (it still hurts thinking about it). At the counselor’s advice, all her clothes we kept could be interchanged.

    I was skeptical, but no longer did we battle. She could go and get clothes out and they looked ok no matter what. This was one of those simplifying life made a giant impact. Try it, you might like it too.

    Reframe:

    “Repeating decisions isn’t boring — it’s freeing.”


    Overwhelmed Moms, Organize for the Season We are In

    Step #5 Organize for the season

    (Compassion-based organization)

    What worked last year may not work now. Times change. Getting ready for school in the family room, soon needs to be a private situation as kids age.

    Let our organization practice be fluid with time. The diaper organizer only lasts a short time. Prune what is no longer needed, making room for the new.

    We have to ask ourselves:

    • “What do I realistically have capacity for right now?”
    • “What system fits this season?”

    Key message:

    “Organization should serve your life — not shame it.”


    CONCLUSION: Systems Over Hustle

    Overwhelmed Moms Organizing Choose Systems Over Hustle

    Organizing isn’t about being a better mom, it’s about giving ourselves breathing room. I find getting organized cuts down on the overwhelm, giving a sense of preparedness for anything.

    Small systems bring great relief. Try living by the principle that everything has a place and is in its place. See how much better we feel!

     

    “You don’t need to do everything. You just need a few systems that work.”


    Don’t get more overwhelmed with organizing (ha! – the irony). Choose one small space and one small action each day. First: make landing zones. Second: organize your time. Third: Decide what you are not doing. Fourth: Simplify Daily Decisions. Fifth: Organize for the season.

     

    If you want help building simple systems that fit your real life, I share more of what’s helped me inside my community.

    If you would like my simple guide to organizing, click the form below this post.

    For more on this subject, check out this post.

    Thanks for stopping by. Talk soon =)

    -Jenn

  • More God in 2025: How Putting God First Will Help You Thrive in the New Year

    More God in 2025: How Putting God First Will Help You Thrive in the New Year

    Can you believe it’s 2025 already? Seriously, it feels like just yesterday we were debating whether the world was going to implode at the turn of the millennium. But here we are, stepping into a brand new year, full of possibilities—and let’s be honest, also a little bit of chaos. Whether you’ve already made your resolutions or you’re still figuring out how to work the whole “goal-setting” thing, I’ve got an invitation for you. It’s time to add more God to 2025.

     

    Yes, you read that right. More God. In your prayers. In your giving. In your service. In your family. In your friendships. In your job. In every single thing you do. Because, friend, when you put God first, everything else falls into place.

     

    Let’s take a quick detour to Matthew 6:33, one of the most life-changing scriptures (in my humble opinion). Jesus said, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” That’s right. If you focus on putting God first, He’ll handle the rest. The stress about your career, your family, your friendships, your finances—it all becomes manageable when we remember to prioritize Him. And trust me, this isn’t a pie-in-the-sky, “just pray about it” kind of philosophy. This is the secret sauce to thriving in 2025.

     

    So, grab a cup of coffee, your comfy socks, and let’s talk about how we can live out Matthew 6:33 this year.

    Mom dancing - More God

     

    1. More God in Prayer: It’s Not Just for Sunday Mornings

    Woman praying - more prayer 

     

    We all know prayer is powerful, but sometimes it feels like a forgotten practice during our busy weeks. It’s easy to fall into the trap of saying, “I’ll pray when I get around to it,” but let’s face it, sometimes “getting around to it” means forgetting all about it. But if 2025 is the year we want to thrive, we need to get intentional about prayer. Not just the “Help, God!” kind of prayers (though those are important, too), but the deep, uninterrupted moments where we sit with Him, share our hearts, and listen.

     

    I’ll be honest—my prayer life used to look a lot like my grocery list: “Lord, bless this day, help me with the kids, and oh, don’t forget to show up at the dentist’s office.” But as I’ve grown, I’ve realized that prayer isn’t just about checking off a list of requests. It’s about communion. It’s about aligning my heart with His. And trust me, when you do that—when you set aside the noise and tune into God—everything changes.

     

    One of my favorite stories about prayer comes from a friend of mine, Sarah. Sarah is a busy mom of three, and she would often joke that the only time she got peace and quiet was in the bathroom. One day, Sarah decided to try something a little different. Instead of using her bathroom time to scroll through social media, she turned it into a mini prayer retreat. She called it her “5-Minute Prayer Closet.”

     

    You know what happened? Sarah began noticing a shift in her life. She was less stressed, more patient with her kids, and her relationships felt more grounded. All because she took five minutes each day to bring her needs before God—and more importantly, to listen for His still, small voice.

     

    In 2025, let’s make prayer a daily habit. It doesn’t have to be long and elaborate. It just needs to be intentional.  To put this into practice, please complete the Prayer Request Form.  Let us stand with you in prayer.

     

    2. More God in Giving: It’s More Than Just Money

    Mom giving hugs

     

    You might be thinking, “Uh oh, here comes the money talk.” But hang on—when I say giving, I don’t just mean tithing or writing a check. Yes, those things are important, but giving is about so much more than that. In fact, it’s about generosity in all areas of life. It’s about giving your time, your energy, your encouragement, and yes, even your resources.
    I recently heard about a woman in my church who had a simple rule when it came to generosity: “If I have it, it’s not mine.” She saw everything she had as a gift from God and made it a point to share. If someone needed a meal, she would cook it. If someone needed a ride, she was there. If there was a prayer need, she would drop everything to pray with them. She didn’t wait for some grand occasion to give; she just lived in a constant state of generosity.

     

    This year, let’s take a page from her book. More God in giving means cultivating a generous heart. It doesn’t always have to be huge. Sometimes the smallest act of kindness can be the most meaningful. And when we give with a heart full of gratitude, God multiplies it in ways we could never imagine.

     

    3. More God in Service: It’s Not About You—It’s About Others

    Mom cleaning - giving service

     

    Let’s face it: we are all busy. Between work, family, friends, and trying to maintain a semblance of self-care (hello, Netflix and a good bubble bath), it’s easy to overlook the needs of others. But when we choose to serve others, we put the spotlight on God. And I’m not talking about just volunteering at church or at a food bank (although those are great!). I’m talking about looking for opportunities every day to serve.

     

    Whether it’s a neighbor who needs help with groceries or a colleague who’s struggling with a project, serving others is one of the most powerful ways we can reflect God’s love. When we choose to serve, we’re modeling Jesus, who didn’t come to be served but to serve. It’s humbling, but it’s also a game-changer.

     

    I served at an inner-city mission every Friday night. But instead of feeling drained, it filled me up with energy and joy. Each person I served was a reminder of God’s love, and each interaction helped me grow in compassion. Plus, I started seeing some of the same faces each week, which led to real relationships and opportunities to share the gospel, along with some wild stories (like the woman who peed during Bible Study) – ha!

     

    In 2025, let’s make service a regular part of our lives. It’s a way to show up for others and, in turn, show up for God.  In our Facebook Group, I am starting a Bible Study on Service.  Please watch the videos.  They encourage my heart so much!  It is my hope that they spur you on to love and good works too!

     

    4. More God in Our Jobs: He Cares About Your Work

    Mom working while holding a baby.

     

    Okay, I know that some days your job feels like a never-ending grind. Maybe you’re stuck in a job you don’t love, or maybe you’re feeling burnout creeping in. Here’s the good news: God cares about your work. Whether you’re working from home or in a corporate office, He’s got a purpose for you in the workplace.

     

    In Colossians 3:23, we are reminded to work “as if we are working for the Lord, not for human masters.” This means every project, every email, and every phone call can be an opportunity to honor God.

     

    Take my friend Emily, for example. Emily was a lawyer who had been in the corporate world for years. She didn’t love her job, but she was committed to doing it well, knowing that her work had a larger purpose. One day, a new client came into her office, and she quickly realized this person needed more than legal advice—they needed compassion. Emily took the time to listen, offer advice that went beyond the legal realm, and pray with her client. That moment of service not only changed her client’s life, but it also transformed Emily’s heart toward her work.

     

    In 2025, let’s work with a heart of service, knowing that every task, big or small, is an opportunity to glorify God.

     

    5. More God in Our Families: The Foundation of Everything

    More Family

     

    Your family might be your biggest challenge or your biggest joy—or maybe it’s both. Regardless, God has placed you in your family for a reason, and when you bring Him into the center of your home, everything changes.

     

    My friend Jessica shared how, after a particularly rough year with her kids, she realized she needed to start praying over her home daily. So, she and her husband began gathering their children each morning for a 5-minute prayer time before school. They’d pray for their day, their hearts, and each other. Jessica said the shift was almost immediate. Arguments decreased. Patience increased. And the overall atmosphere of their home was more peaceful.

     

    In 2025, let’s make our families a place where God is honored, not just in our words but in our actions. Whether it’s a family prayer time or simply choosing grace over frustration, putting God first in our homes will make a lasting impact.

     

    Speaking of making a lasting impact; I made a small purchase for my youngest daughter that has really stirred the flame of faith in her life.  She loves to pull Bible Verses from a jar that I bought on Amazon.  Bible Verses are sorted into colors that reflect different emotional states.  She reads the verses to me and I try to guess the emotion it represents.  My heart soars as this fosters great Godly communication between us.

     

    6. More God in Our Friendships: Real Connection

    More Friends.  2 moms with baby in stroller

     

    Lastly, let’s talk about friendships. You know, the kind of friendships where you can be your real, unfiltered self (which may or may not include a few choice words when things go awry). God created us for community, and He’s called us to be iron sharpening iron. This means your friendships should be a place where you’re building each other up, praying for each other, and keeping each other accountable.

     

    A few years ago, I had a friend who always seemed to have a prophetic word or scripture ready when I was struggling. She wasn’t pushy about it, but she gently pointed me back to Jesus. Those moments meant the world to me because I knew I wasn’t walking this faith journey alone.

     

    In 2025, let’s choose to be intentional about our friendships. Let’s invest in people who are pointing us back to Christ and lifting us up.

     

    Conclusion:

     

    So, are you ready to add more God to 2025? Whether it’s in your prayers, your giving, your service, your work, your family, or your friendships, putting God first is the key to thriving this year. I believe, as Matthew 6:33 says, that when we seek God first, everything else will fall into place. You don’t have to have it all figured out—you just need to keep God at the center, and watch Him work miracles in your life.

     

    Let’s make 2025 the year of More God. Because, with Him, we can thrive!
    PS. For another post that will help you, check out: Bible Verses that Will Help You Sleep.  
Subscribe now !

DOWNLOAD MY FREE
EBOOK

9 Streams of income working from home