Book: The Organized Heart: A Woman’s Guide to Conquering Chaos
Author: Staci Eastin (website)
Publisher: Cruciform Press (2011)
Review by: Sheryl Reiter
I don’t usually read books that have to do with organization, I suppose because I don’t think that I generally have an organization problem. So the fact that I read this book—even though it was initially to review it—and that it blessed me richly is a testimony to God’s hand in my life. To the mind that focuses on the subtitle of the book, Staci Eastin’s The Organized Heart: A Woman’s Guide to Conquering Chaos may strike thoughts of planning strategies, check lists, material priorities, and adjusted agendas; but to those who realize the significance of an “organized heart,” thoughts of sin, repentance, and spiritual priorities may arise.
Though Eastin does address the most common tools and concepts discussed for someone seeking an organized life, 
she does not make them the focus of her book. Instead, she digs deeper into the heart of humanity (specifically women) and explores the foundations of a chaotic life from a Biblical and God-centered view. With Scripture verses scattered throughout her book, Eastin continually keeps God and His omnipotence the focus of her message. Pointing out that chaos and stress over organization stem from ultimately a lack of trust in God and a desire to be in control ourselves, she structures the book in chapters that target some of our biggest weaknesses:
• One: Our Story
• Two: Perfectionism
• Three: Busyness
• Four: Possessions
• Five: Leisure
• Six: Difficult Circumstances
• Seven: Where to Begin
Using examples from her own life and heart, Eastin suggests how dangerous the subtlety of idols can be in our lives. Whether it is an idol of seeking perfection for the glory of others, busyness for the maintenance of our outward image, possessions for the comfort of our hearts, or unnecessary and over-excessive leisure for the peace of our minds, Eastin reminds us that these idols are destructive to finding true peace in God. She tells us of possessions: “When we want more than we need, our possessions have become an idol;” and of leisure: “Since idolatry is relying on created things to give us what only God the Creator can give, leisure is an idol for many women” and “While none of these activities [leisurely activities] are necessarily evil in and of themselves, if you indulge in them to the extent that they prevent you from doing what God has ordained for you to do, they are sin.” Approaching perfectionism and busyness in the same manner, Eastin reminds us of our truly humble state and desperate need for God.
Another helpful and engaging technique included in the book is what comes at the end of each section, and is titled “Explore.” It asks the reader questions like: What does your daily calendar indicate about your priorities? and How can you tell when a favorite hobby or activity has become idolatrous? Where do you struggle with this? Asking these questions, for me, was a reminder of reality—I am not just reading this book to see what someone thinks or to have my mind refreshed, I am reading it to change my actions, to transform (by the grace of God) the chaos in my life into God-glorifying and sincere structure.
Engaging in this book and taking it seriously will bring a renewed conscience to the reader; it will remind them of the importance of prioritizing in life. God is first; and if this is true for the Christian woman in her heart and pursuits, chaos will find its dissolution in His truth and sovereignty. As Matthew 6:33 says, “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”
As I said before, I don’t—or didn’t—generally see myself as someone who struggles with organization. I am, however, a sinner, which means I struggle with chaos (as sin is chaos). After reading Staci Eastin’s book on having a truly organized heart free of chaos, I realized just how fine the line between disorganization and sin can be. This book can be for any woman who is living and breathing in our world of chaos. Even if she has a functioning “file cabinet” and peace of mind regarding her organization skills, it never hurts to be reminded of the importance and power of our God. Eastin sums up the heart of her book when she says,
It may seem strange that I spent so much time talking about the sovereignty of God in a book on organization. I just wanted to remind you that God does not plunge us willy-nilly into difficult circumstances. When we believe that our lives are only workable if God manages things in the manner we prefer, anxiety and fear will rule our hearts. It is only when we truly accept that God is sovereign over our present circumstances that we can fully trust him for the solution.
The goal of this book is not to bring guilt or resentment of self, it isn’t meant to bring a magical and instant change to a chaotic life. Change takes time. It is, however, meant to glorify our Savior and encourage sisters in Christ who are seeking something higher and more God-glorifying in their lives and schedules. It does this through an honest address of the heart.
The Organized Heart: A Woman’s Guide to Conquering Chaos is available in both print and electronic formats from innovative publisher Cruciform Press.
6 Comments on "Book Review: The Organized Heart"
This book sounds really good! I think i need to get it. Living in OC is a whirlwind of chaos. Between soccer practices, workload, church and raising the kiddos, I could deffinitely use the heart check and prioritizing!
Yep…. I need to read this one!!!
Great new book review feature on your site!
Sounds like a helpful book, comparing sin and chaos and the idolatry of leisure. Very interesting!
David
Thanks for the review, Sheryl! I think I’ll read this.
Thank you so much for blessing us with this book review Sheryl! How could one not run to read this seemingly God glorifying book?
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