New Book Finds Order in Faith and Simplicity
The new Uncluttered devotional book was published on June 11, 2024 by Scrivenings Press.
Do you yearn for a life less chaotic? In my new book, Uncluttered: Shaping Your Heart & Home for What Matters Most, co-author Liana George and I offer a roadmap to achieve just that. This unique devotional goes beyond organizing tips. It delves into the connection between faith and simplicity, guiding readers on a four-week journey of self-discovery. Weaving together personal stories, biblical wisdom, and practical strategies, readers are guided through decluttering their physical spaces, their schedules, and their minds so they can create room for what truly matters.
The Uncluttered devotional book is a collection of 28 devotionals, each of which is accompanied by a prayer, a reflections page, and a hands-on and/or reflective challenge called “Now, Unclutter It!” The “Now, Unclutter It!” that complements each devotional helps you apply the ideas in a practical way.
To help me celebrate the release of the book, the Kingsport Public Library is hosting an Author Talk on June 20th at 6:00 pm in the library auditorium. I’ll be sharing excerpts from the book, answering questions, and signing book copies. One lucky attendee will win a copy of the book. I’d love for you to join me there!
In addition to the library event, I’m scheduling events to speak to local community groups, churches, and book clubs. If you’re part of a group that would be interested in having me speak, send me an email (angie@shipshape.solutions) and we’ll talk about plans. I’m also available to meet with groups virtually or to travel to speak.
To let you know what you can expect to find in the book, I’m sharing the book description from Amazon and one of my favorite devotionals (written by me) along with its accompanying practical step.
Book Description
In a world where chaos reigns and clutter overwhelms, discover the profound connection between orderliness, faith, and inner peace.
When organizing gurus like Marie Kondo and The Home Edit talk about orderly living, people listen! From Container Store junkies who love labels and color-coded files to homeowners who struggle with too much stuff, fans of these experts often consider their teaching sacred knowledge.
But is that the only help available?
Thankfully, for Christians, the Bible is a wealth of organizing principles waiting to be mined.
In Uncluttered: Shaping Your Heart & Home for What Matters Most, professional organizers and authors Liana George and Angie Hyche delve into the timeless wisdom of God's orderliness, revealing how it extends far beyond mere tidiness. Through poignant personal anecdotes, Scripture, and practical advice, this four-week devotional invites readers to embrace the beauty of simplicity.
From decluttering your physical space to clearing your mind, each day offers a transformative insight and actionable step towards a more serene existence. Whether you're a seasoned organizer or a clutter connoisseur seeking solace, Uncluttered provides a roadmap to a life of harmony, purpose, and joy. And ultimately, making room for what matters most.
Sample Devotional
Glory Days
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?”
Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV
Best Defensive Player. All Conference. Academic All-American. Athlete of the Year. Most Valuable Player.
My trophies, plaques, and ribbons that had adorned my childhood bedroom represented thousands of hours of “sweat equity” earned on volleyball courts, basketball courts, and softball fields. Every day after school, my teammates and I perfected our skills. I recall riding on the bus to games, my stomach full of butterflies. By game time, I was on edge but ready to give 100%. Bring. It. On.
For many years, these mementos were stored in the attic, reminders of my past life. They sparked a flood of memories: last-second shots at the buzzer, leaning in at the finish line, diving to get a hand on the volleyball to keep it in play. These relics of the past represented a life stage that defined me for so long.
Over the years as I transitioned from college student to wife to mother, I occasionally rediscovered the trophies. But now they brought sadness. When I was winning trophies, I felt like somebody special. As a full-time mother and community volunteer, I sometimes felt like a nobody.
I finally decided to stop looking back wistfully at my glory days. As wonderful as those memories were, I needed to focus on making new ones. My competitive nature and drive could still serve me well, even though my life was completely different. It was time to trust that God had great plans for my future. In order to be open to those plans, I needed to make room in my home, but more importantly, I needed to make room in my heart.
What are you holding onto? Are mementos from your glory days cluttering up your home and your heart? God has big plans for your future, but you’ve got to release your hold on the past first. It’s time to embrace the new things God has in store for you.
Bring. It. On.
Now, Unclutter It!: Embracing the Now
Of all a person’s belongings, mementos are the most difficult to declutter. These items tug on our emotions, causing us to feel like getting rid of them devalues the memories and people involved.
While there’s nothing wrong with holding onto past treasures, we can’t keep every sentimental item. I believe that “If everything is special, nothing is special.” In a huge collection of keepsakes, individual items lose value. Our space is limited, and the more we keep from the past, the less space we have for the present and future.
Action Steps:
Think about the sentimental items you own, and answer the following questions:
1. How much space is being used for storing your mementos? Could these spaces be better used?
2. When was the last time you looked at your mementos? Could the items be useful for someone else?
3. How do you feel about letting them go?
4. Do you have additional space for special items you might keep in the future?
5. Pray for God to show you any changes that you need to make to embrace where you are now and His future plans for you.
6. Share what you learned with someone who can encourage you and hold you accountable.
Let Uncluttered be your guide to a simpler, more joyful existence. This faith-inspired book, available now on Amazon in paperback and ebook, is a must-read for anyone seeking to simplify their life and reconnect with what truly matters.