DEVOTIONAL

DEVOTIONAL

1. Announcing – the new Faithful Organizers Membership WhatsApp Chat! This is a resource I and many other groups utilize to easily communicate efficiently with great responses. Our social media platforms will remain, but they have become inefficient as our membership hub. WhatsApp provides a way for all members to easily be in a community. Kate Bosch, our Membership director, has provided us with How-to videos for those unfamiliar with WhatsApp. Below is the direct link to join. DO NOT SHARE THIS LINK WITH ANYONE! It will be Members Only. You can ask/answer organizing questions, business questions, refer each other and generally lift each other up!

How to download and install WhatsApp

Direct link to request to join after download

Other WhatsApp tutorial

2. The Jean Furuya Memorial Scholarship Fund is now open to members. If you are experiencing financial difficulties please apply. After all, iron sharpens iron and the Kingdom lifts each other up – your presence blesses us and we want to bless you. Here’s how the fund works:

a. Up to 4 Members can receive the scholarship per year

b. A member is only eligible to receive the award once

c. It cannot be used for a member’s first, initial membership fee or for Emeritus memberships

d. There is a form created by our Treasurer, Liz Fackelman, to request a scholarship.

It is very simple and non-invasive – just a way to formally process the giving of the scholarships. Here is the form: https://forms.gle/JkVc3WVVqcS5TmFR7

3. Fall Conferences are coming quickly. It looks like we have an ambassador for the ICD Conference in Atlanta and for the How-To Conference in Dallas. If you are going to the NASMM conference in Dallas in October please reach out! I’ll be confirming and announcing those ambassadors and their events soon, but here is a quick synopsis of these conferences with a rough cost for registration and hotel stay.

a. ICD HOT TOPICS IN HOTLANTA (9/18 – 9/20 - $1,357+) If getting into the science and psychology of our clients intrigues you and you want to learn how to work alongside therapists, then ICD is your conference. Professional but relaxed vibe focused on learning. TO KNOW: Familiarize yourself with common terminology on the ICD website. Meals are provided during conference times, and there are multiple registration options.

b. HOW TO SUMMIT IN DALLAS( 9/22 – 9/24 - $1,085+) This conference has a hip networking focus providing content on how to improve your business, branding, and processes. TO KNOW: There is a dress code of their brand colors or neutrals required due to their heavy marketing of the event on social media. Snacks, coffee and water provided; Food truck lunch meals for purchase

c. NASMM INSPIRE INTEGRATE AND INNOVATE IN DALLAS (10/16 – 10/19 - $2,104+) This Conference was a group favorite at our round table discussion due to its large attendance, solid education, networking and luxury location. Focused on move management and related niche’s but also offers some best practices and marketing education. TO KNOW: Full meals provided; includes a thriving expo.

Thank you for being a part of this organization! We have wonderful members doing wonderful service unto the Lord. When I think of you I am filled with pride. Let us continue to come together to be of one mind and one spirit in Christ Jesus!

Christina

DEVOTIONAL

THE BEAUTY OF COMMUNITY!

Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 KJV

I was a Sunday school teacher at my church and a substitute teacher for many years at one of the elementary schools in my city. I also have family members and friends whose careers were in the educational field as teachers, principals, and assistant principals.

There were many stories shared in both settings about how boys and girls play differently on playground structures. And if you have been blessed with a son and a daughter, you too could attest to what many professionals and parents have found: that boys are more likely to climb to the top of the monkey bars and yell down at their friends who are close by on the ground, while girls, on the other hand, are more likely to run around the structure or the playground.

Growing up with my seven siblings, six girls and one boy, I would say that was the case with us on the playground. Although we played games and ran around playing with others, I noticed the girls gathered around to jump rope, play hopscotch and jacks, ride our bikes, write in our journals, laugh until we cried, and take walks to the local candy store. To this very day, when speaking to my siblings and friends, we look back sharing about the good times we had growing up.

It turns out that those who were doing their research worried because they thought that girls weren't using enough of the playground. How funny is that? The girls placed themselves in closer physical proximity, increasing their social contact.

As I have witnessed, girls tend to disagree more than boys, but their need for friendships is obvious, and at a young age, they seek each other out. God designed this need in us, and friendships offer more than companionship—they also offer protection.

With Satan as our enemy and sin as our nature, we are weakened. One of Satan's most effective tools is making us feel that we're alone. He knows if we stay away from our friends who walk with Jesus, he can start planting lies in our hearts and try to bring us down. But with good friends to surround us and affirm God's truth in our life, we are less susceptible to attack.

I have many plants in my living room that stand together and are growing beautifully. I think that if they were alone, they wouldn't grow as fast. (I don't have a green thumb.) When the plants are standing together, there is natural protection, and they survive no matter the temperature.

Solomon writes in the fourth chapter of Ecclesiastes that there are many advantages of cooperating with others. Life is designed not for isolation, but companionship, not for loneliness, but intimacy. We grow better in community.

For many of us, friendships are truly a blessing sent from God. Solomon states that two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: "If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But woe to him that is alone when he falls, for he has not another to help him up." (Ecclesiastes 4:10)

As we graciously approach the last month of summer, take time to contact those close to your heart to plan an afternoon lunch or meet up with your families to share the things you are thankful for and what's going on in your life, as well as how you can pray for each other.

I truly believe that time invested in friendships is time well spent. I'm thankful for this time shared with each of you every month.

May we continue to be a beacon of light not only to our clients, but to those we call our friends.

In our discussion, let’s share:

1: What character of friendship is most important to you and why?

2: What are some hindrances to maintaining strong relationships?

Sincerely,
Jill Richardson

Join us on Monday, August 11th at 7:00am PST / 10:00am EST for our 30-minute virtual devotion. Get to know your faithful members and receive prayer.

Ephesians 6:18 reminds us to pray for one another, but true community comes from sharing both our joys and struggles. Lord, guide us in knowing how and when to pray for others.

REJOICE!

Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:4-7 KJV

Here, Paul reminds believers twice, to rejoice in the Lord always. He is instructing us to walk out our faith daily, even when we don’t feel like it. Rejoice when struggling in our faith; with our loved ones, or with our clients, we are instructed to rejoice. 

It seems strange that a man in prison would be telling believers to rejoice. Paul's attitude teaches us both the importance of having a relationship with Christ and how self-denial equips us to run the race victoriously. Just as we repeat exercises to tone our bodies, so we must repeat spiritual exercises to be spiritually fit. Spiritual exercise will help us grow in faith and in character. 

Paul was full of joy because he knew that no matter what happened to him that Jesus Christ was with him. We all can attest to times when we were discouraged about difficult circumstances, or even when we take unimportant events too seriously. 

If you haven’t been joyful lately, you may be looking at life from the wrong perspective. You may also be experiencing some very real suffering, yet Paul’s testimony from prison reminds us that “the joy of the Lord is our strength”. 

We all have read that joy comes from Christ dwelling in us. The Lord is at hand, and at “Christ’s Second Coming” we will fully realize this ultimate joy. He who dwells within us will fulfill his final purposes for us. 

Do you know what it means when the Lord tells us to be careful for nothing? It literally means don’t worry. Think about never worrying about anything. Seems impossible right? Paul tells us to turn our worries into prayers. Are you looking at life from the wrong perspective? Then pray more and worry less. 

Rather than clutter your minds with the challenges of life, consider ways in which God works. 

In every moment of our lives, we are to give thanks. Thank God for working all things out for His good according to his riches in heaven. 

Every day, we have the opportunity to make room in our hearts for what truly matters. Let’s choose to give thanks because we know He is working in our situation. 

Let’s rest knowing that God will meet our every need, at his perfect timing. Let’s exhale, knowing that the perfect will of God will be done on earth as it is in heaven. And let’s spend time in the Word being reminded that only God can save, provide, heal, restore, guide, and protect us, as we cast all our cares upon Him.

How will you choose to Rejoice today? If you are experiencing hard circumstances we would love to pray over them and you. Will you allow the Holy Spirit to usher in His peace that passeth all understanding which will quart your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus?

The joy of Rejoicing in the Lord. Amen.
Jill Richardson

Join us on Monday, July 14th at 7:00am PST / 10:00am EST for our 30-minute virtual devotion. Get to know your faithful members and receive prayer.

Ephesians 6:18 reminds us to pray for one another, but true community comes from sharing both our joys and struggles. Lord, guide us in knowing how and when to pray for others.

MY BROTHER’S KEEPER!

And the LORD said unto Cain, where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother’s keeper?
Genesis 4:9

We have all heard the phrase, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” before. A question that Cain presented to God as God asked him where Abel was.

After God expelled Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden for their disobedience, Cain killed his brother out of jealousy because God accepted Abel’s sacrifice, but rejected Cain’s. After Cain killed his brother, God, in his omniscience, who is all knowing, was looking for Cain to take responsibility for his actions.

Instead, as we read in the scripture taken from the very first Book of the Bible, Genesis 4:9, Cain responded, “I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?”

I, too, after reading this scripture, am convicted how God engages us to acknowledge our faults rather than running away from them; an opportunity to repent and heal.

Here, Cain refuses to accept the seriousness of his actions. In what ways do we lack regard for our relationships with others? We all have a tendency to avoid being our brother’s keeper at times taking ownership of our duties to look after one another. It was evidence of Cain’s response that spoke highly of how we turn a blind eye of those who are suffering.

Could it be true; despite of the lie of Cain’s response to God, who created him, that we are not the keeper of others? Because we are not responsible for their safety when we are not present. But are we?

As Christians, we are to be the keepers of others who walk one with Christ. We are not to commit acts of violence against one another, in word or in deed. 2 Corinthians 12:20 describes violence of the tongue in the form of gossip and arguing, jealousy, outbursts of anger, slander, gossip, arrogance, or disorder.

We are at all times to exhibit brotherly love toward others in Christ with a tender heart and a humble mind, as commanded in 1Peter 3:8. We are to “keep” those for whom Christ gave His life. Christ says that LOVE is greater than faith and hope.

So how can we exhibit this kind of love to others and not respond to God as Cain did when he was asked, “where is Abel thy brother?”

Though our sisters and brothers in Christ may not be our biological sibling, we have a greater responsibility, a greater bond, and a three-fold cord that should never be broken because we belong to Christ.

As we dedicate our organizing services to those who live in clutter, let us be reminded that this service is letting God know that we are our brother’s keeper. We are responsible for the upkeep of how others take care of themselves as well as the stuff that God has given them. For every good and perfect gift is from God. Being a brother’s keeper is expressed here in this scripture and confirmed in other scriptures that we are truly responsible for the lives of others.

I ask the questions again: how can we going forward as representatives of Christ, shining the light that lives within us to be our brother’s keeper? As Paul wrote in Romans 14:19, “Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify (build up) another.” Amen.

Sincerely,
Jill Richardson

Join us on Monday, June 9th at 7:00am PST / 10:00am EST for our 30-minute virtual devotion. Get to know your faithful members and receive prayer.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

CONFERENCE ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION

Thank you to all who joined us for an engaging Round Table discussion where we shared key conference notes from NAPO Summit and Kingdom Come. In the coming months, the Board will provide a summary and following action steps for the rest of this year.

HOMEMAKING HOMESTEADING MAGAZINE

You can still purchase or share the Homemaking Homesteading Magazine with our advertisement. If you know of other great advertising opportunities for Faithful Organizers, let us know!

SATISFIED IN JESUS!

Jesus answered and said unto her, whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: but whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be a well of water springing up into everlasting life. John 4:13-14

Jesus was using the example of drinking water to describe how the Lord satisfies our spiritual thirst with the living water of the Holy Spirit. Because we have received Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, (salvation) we will never thirst spiritually again.

When Jesus was speaking to the woman at the well, He wasn’t talking about natural water. She mistakenly believed that if she received the water Jesus offered, she would not have to return to the well each day. She was interested in Jesus’ message because she thought it could make her life easier. But if that was the case, people would accept Jesus for the wrong reason.

As Professional Organizers, too many times, our clients believe that we can organize their stuff and they wouldn’t have to put into practice the steps of putting things where they belong in order to stay organized.

Christ didn’t come to take away challenges, but to change us on the inside and to empower us to deal with the problems from God’s perspective.

Just like the woman who didn’t immediately understand what Jesus was talking about, it takes time for our clients to accept something that changes the very foundation of their life.

May we too, like Jesus allow our clients to ask questions and put pieces together for themselves. Decluttering the lives of those who live in chaos, as well as sharing the gospel does not always have immediate results. When we teach others the principles of organizing as well as introducing others to Jesus, we must give them time to weigh the matter.

In the book of John 6:35, And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life; he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.

What are you thirsty for today? It’s like sitting at a table on Thanksgiving Day, with a feast set before you. You may be hungry, but it’s not because you don’t have access to food. If you’re hungry, just eat. Stop talking about being hungry and partake of what’s in front of you. Likewise, the Lord has prepared everything you could ever need and placed it inside of us. It’s time to dig in so we too, may be satisfied in Jesus!

Thank you.

Jill Richardson
Educational Director

Join us on Monday, May 12th at 7:00am PST / 10:00am EST for our 30-minute virtual devotion. Get to know your faithful members and receive prayer.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

CONFERENCE APPEARANCES

Thank you, Christina Keen, for being our ambassador at Kingdom Come in Fort Lauderdale! If you'd like to be an ambassador for an upcoming conference, or will be in attendance, let us know!

• How to: Summit, Dallas

• ICD, Atlanta

• NASMM, Dallas

SAVE THE DATE

Join us for an engaging Round Table discussion on Tuesday, May 27 at 5:00pm PST / 8:00pm EST where we'll share key takeaways from NAPO Summit and Kingdom Come, and help you determine whether the upcoming Fall conferences are worth your time and investment.  Whether you attended, missed out, or are planning your calendar, this is your chance to get the inside scoop and make informed decisions. Join the Round Table Zoom discussion.

VOTE FOR THE BOARD

Each year, we have the opportunity to nominate new Board Members. This year, all of our current Board Members up for re-election have opted to stay another term. These Board Members include:

From left to right: Stephanie Marshall - Marketing, Beth Ruck - Secretary, Jill Richardson - Education, and Kate Bosch - Membership

As a matter of protocol, we'd like to ask if you or someone you know would like to be nominated for one of the above positions. If so, please contact our Nominating Committee with any questions or comments. CAST YOUR VOTING BALLOT

Thank you,
Lisa Dodson, boardmember@faithfulorganizers.com
Brenda Tringali, brenda@atyourfingertipsorganizing.com

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact me.
Lisa

HOMEMAKING HOMESTEADING MAGAZINE

You can still purchase or share the Homemaking Homesteading Magazine with our advertisement. If you know of other great advertising opportunities for Faithful Organizers, let us know!

DEVOTIONAL

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Jeremiah 29:11

Too often we allow our daily schedules to overwhelm us and we go into fixing mode.

We carry the burden on our shoulders as we navigate the ups and downs of life, forgetting that God already has a plan for our day and yes even our future. He truly knows what’s ahead of us because, he already planned it.

I remember just two weeks ago, when I felt overwhelmed by my schedule of things that needed to be done in a timely matter. Our very own Beth, noticed and asked how are you doing today, Jill. I responded by telling her how overwhelmed I was with my schedule for the day. A week later I received a beautiful card reminding me, that I am a blessing to the Body of Christ and to read about the promises of God concerning my cares, taken from Matthew 11:28-30. I was immediately reassured to cast my cares to God who cares for me.

Do you believe that the Lord knows everything about us? Yet, we get so caught up on trying to manage our day without asking God to help us. The one who has already gone before us and already managed our day!

How does it make us feel when we read Jeremiah 29:11, knowing that God has spent time creating plans for us from the very beginning? Plans of peace and not chaos. His plans that fill us with hope and a future.

How can we purge our hearts to be in alignment with the truth that lives in the word of God, so that we are not anchored in our daily task and weighted down with the cares of life and its circumstances today?

As Professional Organizers and leaders of our own businesses, we are reminded in this scripture that God has given each of us a task that He will see us through to completion. Because He knows the beginning before the end. It is he who provides the agenda and goes with us on our mission.

So today, I believe that God will give us strength in days that seem overwhelming. As we learn, but desire, to seek ye first the Kingdom of God, may all righteousness will be added unto us.

My prayer: God, we are grateful for your son, Jesus Christ who lives in our heart. Teach us how to trust and rely on you concerning every area of our lives, that we may be free from worry, and chaos. In Jesus’ name and for His sake. Amen

Jill Richardson
Educational Director

Join us on Monday, April 14th at 7:00am PST / 10:00am EST for our 30-minute virtual devotion. Get to know your faithful members and receive prayer.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

NOMINATIONS / ELECTIONS

Each year, we have the opportunity to nominate new Board Members. This year, all of our current Board Members up for re-election have opted to stay another term. These Board Members include:

From left to right: Stephanie Marshall - Marketing, Beth Ruck - Secretary, Jill Richardson - Education, and Kate Bosch - Membership

As a matter of protocol, we'd like to ask if you or someone you know would like to be nominated for one of the above positions. If so, please contact our Nominating Committee with any questions or comments. 

Thank you,
Lisa Dodson, boardmember@faithfulorganizers.com
Brenda Tringali, brenda@atyourfingertipsorganizing.com

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact me.
Lisa

SPREAD THE WORD

Our beloved Kate Bosch has created a template for you to use to welcome other colleagues in your network to Faithful Organizers. Make it your own!

CONFERENCE APPEARANCES

Thank you, Annie Amoon Richard, for being our ambassador at NAPO Summit in Chicago! If you'd like to be an ambassador for an upcoming conference, or will be in attendance, let us know!

• Kingdom Come, Fort Lauderdale

• How to: Summit, Dallas

• ICD, Atlanta

• NASMM, Dallas

PRAYER

ANSWERED PRAYERS