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sleeping – preparing yourself for the next day by and manage it to keep on track of your goals. Shred
planning and prioritizing what is important. Don’t be old bills and financial documents ( except those you
afraid to say no; you can do it graciously. need to save) and develop a plan of action to pay your
Also, take time to clean out your mind. Make debts.
a commitment to spend from 5 to 20 minutes by
yourself, going for a walk, resting, meditating, or You don’t have to do everything all at once. Focus
praying. Stay away from your cell phone, computer, or on one thing at a time. In a world where multi-tasking
TV to prevent distracting you during this time. seems to be the norm, concentrating on one goal
is actually more productive and less stressful. And
5. CLEAN UP YOUR FINANCIAL LIFE through all the challenges that we will need to address
Review your spending to see where you can cut in Spring cleaning our lives this year, we know we can
expenses and start saving. Identify the things that always count on the help of our Father in heaven.
you really need, and all those that could be cut out. Because “I can do all things through Christ Who
This will help you have a clear sense of your spending strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13).
habits that will help you live within your income.
Create a budget to take control of your spending

Cleaning Your

Spiritual Life

By Kristine Butler
Staff Writer

When someone says, “I’m cleaning up
my life,” they usually mean they are giving
up some habit or addiction in order to live
a better, happier, more Christ-like life. But
how does one “clean up” their life?
The Bible informs us that we are all
selfish sinners to the core of our being,
and as helpless to change ourselves as the
leopard is able to change his spots. “Then
may you also do good who are accustomed
to do evil.” (Jeremiah 13:23 NKJV)
Sometimes we are tempted to think that
we can “clean up” a problem area of our
lives by our own determined efforts. surrendering ourselves to God for Him to cleanse us is our choice.
But only God can change and cleanse A relationship with God has a profound ripple effect upon every
US. relationship and interaction we have with others. It affects everything we
In the Bible God assures us that “If we think and say and do. The Holy Spirit will shine through all areas of our
confess our sins, He is faithful and just to lives when He lives within us. The joy that fills our hearts, and the peace
forgive us our sins and to CLEANSE US from that He gives us is the result of the Holy Spirit at work within us, to will
all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9 NKJV) and to do of His good pleasure. This is not simply “spring cleaning” but a
Only God can do the cleansing that we day by day, moment by moment experience.
need. He cleanses US. He doesn’t merely “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within
“clean up” different areas of our lives. me.” (Psalm 51:10)
You can live a Spirit-filled life. And
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